Employers wanted for workplace wellness initiative

Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) is looking for employers interested in implementing a workplace wellness plan. This free opportunity can help increase employee productivity, decrease absenteeism, improve morale, and manage health care costs.

Olmsted County’s Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) offers employers a free opportunity to learn about starting or building wellness programs. Since 2015, 17 employers in Olmsted County have participated. Employers will meet one-on-one with the SHIP worksite wellness coordinator to tailor their wellness program.

“The best part about working with employers on wellness is the partnership created,” OCPHS Community Health Specialist Pa Houa Moua said. “Wellness is a large concept, but no employer is alone in navigating what will best serve their employees. The relationship created between SHIP and employer is ongoing. Wellness changes start small and seeing employers thrive after getting started is astounding.”

SHIP staff will offer new resources to help employers create a strong workplace wellness program. Topics include creating a culture of health, garnering management support, creating a wellness team, assessing current wellness program efforts, and setting goals for workplace health strategies like healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco cessation, or stress management. The initiative focuses on helping employers make sustainable changes to create healthy opportunities for their employees every day.

Participating employers will also get to network with other employers to discuss best practices and brainstorm solutions to any hurdles. SHIP staff are always available for questions or site visits outside of the one-on-one meetings. SHIP provides the funding for workplace wellness programs, allowing Olmsted County businesses to participate at no cost. Companies will learn many best practice recommendations take little to no financial resources, just staff time to plan and implement.

A survey found that 92 percent of SHIP workplaces in Minnesota indicated that their wellness program efforts have positively advanced due to SHIP. Employers may contact the SHIP worksite wellness coordinator at OlmstedSHIP@co.olmsted.mn.us to get involved or obtain more information.

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Media Contact: Emma Diercks, Communications Specialist, 507-328-6166